Hundreds packed St. Raymond and St. Leo the Great Roman Catholic Church in Gentilly on Saturday to pay their final respects to Dr. Elliott C. Willard Sr. Willard, affectionately known as "Doc," died quietly on Christmas Eve after battling cancer.

"Doc Willard was a tireless worker for equality, civil rights, education, academic achievement and you don't just have ... you don't have those type of people around on a daily basis," said Eddie Compass, former New Orleans police superintendent.

"He had a profound impact on my life," said mourner Winston Burns Jr. "He was a man that always looked at life as half full. There was never a negative moment with Dr. Willard. He always saw that golden light in everyone."

Willard was perhaps best known for his devotion to his family -- his wife of 60 years, Mary Jane, and their 12 children, including Judge Ben Willard and for city councilwoman and state Sen. Cynthia Willard Lewis.

Willard is survived by his wife, 12 children, 37 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was buried in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

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